How to Find Out Who Your Texas Electricity Provider (and TDU) Is

By the TexasPowerCost Editorial Team — independent Texas electricity analysis · Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · how we analyze plans

Last updated: October 18, 2026  ·  5 min read

In deregulated Texas, two different companies show up on your power supply — and confusing them causes a lot of "who do I even call?" moments. Here's how to find both in a minute.

Find Your Provider and TDU

1. Find your retail provider (REP). Look at a recent bill or your online account — the REP is the brand you pay. No bill yet? You likely need to start service in your name.
2. Identify your TDU by address. Your bill names it, or look it up by ZIP: Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas or TNMP. It's set by location and can't be changed.
3. Locate your ESI ID. The ESI ID is your meter's unique number — on your bill and needed to start or switch service. See our guide on the Texas ESI ID.
4. Put the account in your name. If you just moved in, choose a provider and start service so the plan and rate are actually yours.

The Four Texas TDUs

Your TDU is set by where you live: Oncor (Dallas–Fort Worth and much of North/West Texas), CenterPoint Energy (Houston), AEP Texas (South and parts of West Texas), and TNMP (scattered areas). It owns your meter and poles, sets your regulated delivery charge, and is the same for every retail provider in your area — so switching providers never changes it. The number that ties your address to its meter is the ESI ID.

Just Moved In and Not Sure?

If the lights are on but you have no bill, the service may still be under a prior account, a builder's temporary hookup, or the provider-of-last-resort. Don't leave it — choose a retail provider for your address and start service in your name so the plan and rate are actually yours. Our setting-up-electricity guide walks through it.

Related

What is an ESI ID? · TDU delivery charges · Set up electricity when moving

Common Questions

How do I find out who my electricity provider is in Texas?

Check a recent electricity bill or your online account — the retail electric provider (REP) is the company name at the top and the one you pay. If you just moved in and haven't set anything up, there may be no active provider in your name yet; you'll need to choose one and start service. If a prior resident's service is still on, don't assume it's yours — put the account in your name to avoid a billing tangle.

What is the difference between my provider and my TDU?

Two separate companies. Your retail electric provider (REP) is who you chose and pay for the energy — you can switch it anytime. Your transmission and distribution utility (TDU) owns the poles, wires and meter and delivers the power; it is set by your address and you cannot choose or switch it. Every retail provider in your area uses the same TDU, so the delivery charge is identical no matter who you buy from.

How do I find out which TDU serves my address?

It's determined by where you live. The four main Texas TDUs are Oncor (Dallas–Fort Worth and much of North/West Texas), CenterPoint Energy (Houston), AEP Texas (South and parts of West Texas), and TNMP (scattered areas). Your bill lists it, or you can look it up by ZIP. Knowing your TDU tells you your delivery charges and which plans are filed for your area.

I just moved in and there's power but no bill — what do I do?

The lights may be on under a prior account, a builder's temporary service, or the provider-of-last-resort. Set up service in your own name right away by choosing a retail provider for your address; you'll give your move-in date and the property's ESI ID (your meter's unique identifier) if asked. Until it's in your name, you don't control the plan or the rate.